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Senior Project Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Senior Project Engineer, Highways

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$112.30K - $146.40K/yr

As a Senior Project Engineer you will lead and support of our multiple ongoing programs with DDOT, VDOT, USDOT and various local agencies and municipalities. Our team-oriented environment is ...

Performance Contracting is seeking an experienced Senior Project Engineer for its PCI Washington, DC operations, based in Ashburn, VA . This individual will be responsible for the following: Job ...

Senior Project Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$101.60K - $136K/yr

Performance Contracting is seeking an experienced Senior Project Engineer for its PCI Washington, DC operations, based in Ashburn, VA . This individual will be responsible for the following: Job ...

Senior Project Engineer

Manassas, VA

$99K - $129K/yr

We are looking for a Senior Engineer to join our Operations team on our project in Manassas, VA. This is a full-time, in-person position. Key Responsibilities * Manage onsite trade activities ...

Project Engineer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Also supports the Project Manager and/or Senior Engineers with project delivery and supervision of junior staff. Reports To: Project Manager Job Responsibilities * Performs structural design of ...

Senior Project Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$99K - $129K/yr

Night and swing shift differential pay for select roles We are looking for a Senior Engineer to join our Operations team on our project in Manassas, VA. This is a full-time, in-person position. Key ...

Senior Project Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$111.70K - $145.60K/yr

Senior Engineering Manager __ In this role, you will act as a design authority for an engineering discipline with medium complexity. You will complete assignments on multiple projects of moderate ...

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Senior Project Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$75.3K

$130K

$177.8K

How much do senior project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior project engineer in Washington is $129,983.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,100.00 and $146,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Project Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Senior Project Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, project management, and relevant industry experience—often supported by a bachelor’s degree in engineering and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with project management software (such as MS Project or Primavera), CAD tools, and industry-specific standards is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring successful project delivery, team coordination, and compliance with technical and safety standards.

What are some common challenges Senior Project Engineers face when managing cross-functional teams?

Senior Project Engineers often oversee projects that require collaboration among diverse teams such as design, procurement, and construction. A common challenge is aligning different priorities and communication styles, which can lead to misunderstandings or delays. To overcome this, Senior Project Engineers use strong leadership and organizational skills, facilitating clear communication and establishing structured workflows. Building trust and fostering a collaborative environment are essential for ensuring all team members work toward shared objectives and project milestones.

What are Senior Project Engineers?

Senior Project Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for overseeing and managing complex engineering projects from conception to completion. They coordinate between various teams, ensure project milestones are met, and address technical challenges that arise during the project lifecycle. Senior Project Engineers also play a key role in budgeting, quality assurance, and maintaining safety standards. Their expertise ensures that projects are delivered on time, within scope, and meet the required specifications.

What is the difference between Senior Project Engineer vs Project Engineer?

AspectSenior Project EngineerProject Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, 5+ years experience, professional engineering license often preferredBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, 1-3 years experience
Work EnvironmentLeading project teams, overseeing multiple phases, coordinating with clients and vendorsAssisting in project planning, executing tasks under supervision, supporting senior staff
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, infrastructure projectsConstruction, civil engineering, industrial projects

Senior Project Engineers typically have more experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities compared to Project Engineers. They oversee entire projects, coordinate teams, and liaise with clients, whereas Project Engineers focus on supporting project execution under supervision. The roles are distinct but interconnected within engineering and construction industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Project Engineer jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Project Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Project Engineer jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Project Engineer jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Senior Project Engineer jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Senior Project Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Project Engineer job openings in Washington as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,983 per year, or $62.5 per hour.
Senior Project Engineer, Highways

Senior Project Engineer, Highways

RK&K

Washington, DC • Hybrid

$112.30K - $146.40K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


RK&K rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

316th of 349 rated engineering


Job description

RK&K is hiring a Senior Project Engineer in our award-winning highways department to join our team in Washington DC, or surrounding areas. As a Senior Project Engineer you will lead and support of our multiple ongoing programs with DDOT, VDOT, USDOT and various local agencies and municipalities. Our team-oriented environment is supported by subject matter experts and experienced mentors that will help you succeed!

Essential Functions

  • Perform a wide variety of engineering tasks including concept designs, traffic control designs, roadway & highway designs, streetscapes, complete streets, profiles, geometric layouts, cross sections, intersections, interchanges, bicycle/pedestrian facilities, contract plans, cost estimates and specifications
  • Perform engineering planning tasks including preparation of conceptual road plans and alternatives analysis for new transportation systems or retrofits to existing systems, design alteration and modification of existing transportation systems to improve safety or function, prepare alternatives analyses reports for concept roadway improvements
  • Apply DDOT, VDOT and AASHTO design criteria, regulatory requirements, standards, and processes
  • Lead design projects to ensure deliverables are completed within budget and on schedule
  • Coordinate with clients, contractors, consultants, government agencies, and project staff
  • Work in a collaborative environment with a diverse multi-disciplined project team

Required Skills and Experience

  • Eight (8) years of experience in civil engineering design and/or transportation/highway engineering
  • BS in Civil Engineering from an ABET accredited engineering program
  • Proficiency in MicroStation V8i, GEOPAK, OpenRoads, InRoads, and/or AutoCAD Civil3D
  • Professional Engineering Registration (PE)

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • In-depth understanding of Highway Design Standards, MUTCD, DDOT, VDOT, AASHTO and other highway design manuals and guidelines
  • Proficiency with MS Word and Excel
  • Capable of leading transportation design projects in a dynamic, fast-paced team-oriented environment
  • Strong written and oral communication skills

Other Duties

This job description indicates the general nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions (as covered under ADA). It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities and duties required by the employee. Other duties are assigned as required.

What We Offer

RK&K offers excellentpotentialforcareer advancementand professional growth. We also offer attractive compensation packages commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Paid time off
  • Hybrid work (home and office)
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances
  • Matching 401(k) plan
  • Paid Holidays
  • Much, much more!

Why RK&K?

As a full-service engineering and construction management firm, RK&K gives you the opportunity to directly impact the communities in which we live and work. What sets RK&K apart is an award-winning culture that has fostered a spirit of collaboration and trust for over 100 years. To its clients, the firm delivers concepts, processes, and outcomes that are designed for success. RK&K has earned its reputation as a trusted partner, responsive employer, and community steward.

Design your career at RK&K, Apply Today!

Salary Range: 116K-145K per year